Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 500 g boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
For the Sticky Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
- ¼ cup water
For Garnishing
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place it in a bowl and season with salt and black pepper.
Add the cornstarch and toss well until the chicken pieces are lightly coated. The cornstarch helps create a lightly crisp surface and allows the sauce to cling beautifully to the chicken.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, chili flakes, and water.
Mix thoroughly until the honey and sugar are incorporated.
Taste the sauce before cooking and adjust the sweetness or spice to your preference.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until golden on the outside and cooked through.
Avoid overcrowding the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in two batches.
4. Add the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and pour the prepared sauce into the skillet.
Stir gently so the sauce coats all the chicken pieces.
Allow everything to simmer for approximately 3–5 minutes. The sauce will gradually reduce and become thicker and glossy.
5. Make It Sticky
Continue stirring the chicken as the sauce thickens. Once the sauce becomes thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and cling to the chicken, remove the pan from the heat.
Be careful not to reduce the sauce too far because it will continue thickening slightly as it cools.
6. Garnish
Transfer the sticky chicken to a serving plate.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
For extra freshness, you can also add a little chopped cilantro if desired.
What to Serve With Korean Sticky Chicken
This chicken pairs especially well with:
- Steamed white rice
- Brown rice
- Fried rice
- Noodles
- Steamed broccoli
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Cucumber salad
- Lettuce wraps
For a simple dinner, serve the sticky chicken over warm rice with steamed broccoli on the side.
Tips for Perfect Sticky Chicken
Cut the Chicken Evenly
Try to cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces. This helps everything cook evenly without some pieces becoming dry while others are still undercooked.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch
The light cornstarch coating helps the chicken develop a pleasant texture and gives the sticky sauce something to cling to.
Keep the Heat Moderate
Once the sauce is added, reduce the heat. The sugars in honey and brown sugar can burn if cooked over very high heat.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Chicken should be cooked thoroughly. The thickest piece should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
Adjust the Spice
For a mild version, leave out the chili flakes. For more heat, you can add a little extra chili, but add it gradually so the spice doesn’t overpower the sweet and savory sauce.
Easy Variations
Korean Sticky Chicken Wings
Use chicken wings instead of chicken pieces. Cook them until fully done, then toss them with the prepared sticky sauce.
Honey Garlic Chicken
For a milder, sweeter version, omit the chili flakes and add an extra teaspoon of honey.
Vegetable Sticky Chicken
Add sliced bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or zucchini to the skillet before adding the sauce.
Sesame Chicken
Add extra toasted sesame seeds at the end for a stronger nutty flavor.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 3–4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. If the sauce becomes too thick after refrigeration, add a small splash of water while reheating.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Korean Sticky Chicken is a quick and delicious meal with tender chicken and a glossy homemade sauce. The combination of honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame creates a rich flavor that works beautifully with rice and vegetables.
